Branching this discussion out from the Travel & Living. Noticed there's quite a number of Malaysians studying Japanese and taking the JLPT exam (also evident from the JLPT exam hall!).

Reference: https://www.jlsm.org/


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This site has numerous resourceful materials for studies: http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/

--> Looking for conversation partner? 会話パートナーを探しなら：
https://cotoacademy.com/japanese-language-e...rning-japanese/

--> まるごと e-textbook for Beginners and Intermediate 初中級 （６月末まで無料 - Free access till June)
https://www.sanshusha.co.jp/np/blog/recid/53/

--> ［みなと］日本語初級向けの「ひろがる自習コース（Vol. 1）」本日公開！[Minato] “Hirogaru Self-study Course (Vol. 1)” for Beginner Japanese learners

Free Online Lesson: Self Study Course for beginners who wish to learn Japanese. Just register! Sourced from Japan Foundation's sharing.

https://minato-jf.jp/CourseDetail/Index/KL20_HRNS_A201_EN01



YouTube Resources (recommendations):
- MeshClass https://www.youtube.com/@meshclass
- [Grammar N4 onwards] 日本語 to 旅 〜Nihongo to Tabi〜 https://www.youtube.com/@nihongototabi/featured
- 出口日語 https://www.youtube.com/@deguchi (credit to @littlegamer)

Do share what's your plan and reason for learning Japanese?

Mine is simple: Want to be able to communicate with the locals and understand the culture and language in a more in-depth manner. And, be able to read books in Japanese. I've left the manga scene quite some years ago but I've always found Japanese novels, books to be appealing.

If you've any tips for the JLPT exam to share, do share them too

PS: Prefer to have a less formal discussion, so that's why I opened the thread here instead of Education section.

For those planning to further study in Japan (undergraduate), refer to this thread:
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4102953

*List of Japanese Centres*

List comprises of centres in KL, Penang, Johor and other states as well.
https://www.jfkl.org.my/language/learners/l...ol-in-malaysia/

Resources: Download from App Store

Japanese Dictionary - Takoboto https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?....takoboto&hl=en

Resources: Books/ Reading Materials Recommendation:

--> Tadoku Books (free e-books): https://tadoku.org/japanese/free-books/
--> NHK has a lot of Japanese educational materials for travel, culture, work for beginners which they call it "Easy Japanese". Very good and interesting site:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/learnjapanese/

--> more for the working class (and a bit of fun learning @ bottom "After 5"): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/easyjapaneseforwork/

List of resource shared by chunhoecch : https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=93297263
Audio Files Download (to be used with the textbook, own purchase): http://bookclub2.japantimes.co.jp/download/


Online Download:
ーShare legit download if any

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: May 8 2023, 11:06 AM

What is Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?
Taken from https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/index.html



What are the Levels? What are the components tested on?

Based on 2019 format and information: https://www.jlpt.jp/reference/pdf/guide2019.pdf


Note: JLPT is held twice in a year - in July and December.

JLPT FAQs:

Q: Do I need to be studying under a certain institution/ language centre to be endorsed to sit for the test?
A: No, you don't. Anyone can sign up for the test.

Q: Must I follow the ranking of first sitting for N5, then N4, N3 etc?
A: No, there is no such rule. You can skip any of the order and sit for the level you've studied for. Example, student A have not sat for any JLPT before and signed up straight for N3. Student A can sit for N3 test.

Q: Are there any written exam or composition (essay) in JLPT?
A: Nope, not unless they change it. It's all in multiple choices.

Q: It's my first time sitting for JLPT, what do I need to prepare?
A: Bring your Identification Card (IC)/ Passport (international student), Test Voucher, pencils, eraser, some food (if you need it), water and jacket (it might get cold).

Q: Is there any dress code?
A: While there's none established, wear something comfortable and avoid going in with slippers and shorts. If you happen to sit near the blower, all the best to you.

For more FAQs, check it out here

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Sep 21 2020, 07:24 PM

I have passed the N4 like 10 years ago and did not proceed further as I have left the Jap company i worked in.

Not that hard to pass lar, I took N5 and N4 in 1 shot and passed both.

May i know when did the format changed to N5 N4 etc?

I passed JLPT level 4 but that was like 13 years ago when there was only 4 levels

Meaning you took the exam because you were working for a Japanese company? I guess that makes sense why you stopped after that

Am always anxious before exam

https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/levelsummary.html

Here's the new format: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/testsections.html

Yes, i was checking some info and found out that apparently last time it was only 4 levels. From this site: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/faq/index.html

N1 Approximately the same level as the old level 1 test.
N2 Approximately the same level as the old level 2 test.
N3 Positioned a level bridging the old level 2 and level 3 tests.
N4 Approximately the same level as the old level 3 test.
N5 Approximately the same level as the old level 4 test.

Ya found from wiki too:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese-La...roficiency_Test 😂

Locals? You're living in Japan?

Nope, not living in Japan. If luck and everything else permits, probably someday

dun worry, N4 is still ok if u pay attention in the class. Cant say the same to N3 though, classmate failed 3 times. maybe her kanji weak abit. my problem is I always find it difficult in listening..

This post has been edited by ben_ang: Sep 20 2018, 05:59 PM

IMO, it's a great place for visiting or holiday. But to stay, probably not that great
Nevertheless, pretty sure you'll enjoy being there

Unfortunately our sensei is not even halfway to the N4 syllabus. There's only 2 months left... likely I'll have to do my own study relying on external materials. N4 Kanji is still ok, so i think i won't have a major problem there. It's the other areas that I'm more worried about - grammar, sentences arrangement, comprehension and listening. Vocabulary is more advanced.

Aiks failed 3x N3? Sorry to hear that. Kanji need to constantly read, practice and understand it -___- takes time but still do-able imo. I agree with you, 聴解 is so tricky sometimes!

Hahahahaha i know what you mean. Expectations are really high, pressure is even worse. Most of the time when one works there, there's barely time to travel or rest. I agree with you. What I have in mind would be something more temporary than permanent (staying/ working there). More for experiences and learning. Are you currently living in Japan?

Finally passed my N1 last July, my 6th time.
Can really call it an end to it, but not meaning to stop using the language.
N1 is just the begining IMO.

Good thread.

sweet_pez which center did you study or you study on your own?

No
Been there once for holiday only & been wanting to go back there again but no chance

Dont waste money on N5, N4, N3 tests. Directly go for N2 before challenge the N1. basically for me the N5, N4, N3 is about the same level. waste of time n money.

I study in a centre in KL. What about you?

There'll be chances. If none, you 'create' the chance

I beg to differ. Examinations are different than tests one takes at the centre or home. The environment, rules etc is different. At least sit for 1 preliminary paper before going straight to N2, just to know what it's like.

Congratulations!!!
You're right on that, passing the line is merely the beginning of your journey. Must be crazy tough! What's your plan after passing N1 now?